Oxyntomodulin Derivatives

ABSTRACT

Modified oxyntomodulin derivatives. Such derivatives can be used for the treatment of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to oxyntomodulin derivatives, their synthesis, and their use for the treatment of metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The hormone oxyntomodulin (OXM, glucagon-37) is a posttranslational product of preproglucagon processing in the intestine and central nervous system (CNS) and is secreted from L-cells in the gut in response to food intake. Discovered in 1983, OXM has been implicated in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. Central or peripheral administration of OXM in rats causes a decrease in short term food intake with minimal effects on gastric emptying (Dakin et al. Endocrinology, 142:4244-4250 (2001), Dakin et al. Endocrinology, 145:2687-2695 (2004)). Repeated intracerebroventricular administration of OXM in rats results in elevated core temperatures and reduced weight gain compared to pair-fed animals, suggesting effects on both caloric intake and energy expenditure (Dakin et al. Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab., 283:E1173-E1177 (2002)).

OXM is a 37-amino acid peptide. It has been reported that the effects of OXM in inhibiting gastric acid secretion can be mimicked by the 8-residue C-terminal fragment Oxm(30-37), known as SP-1 (Caries-Bonnet et al., Peptides, 1996, 17:557-561. In humans, a single 90 min intravenous infusion of OXM in normal weight healthy subjects reduced hunger scores and food intake at a buffet meal by ˜19%. Cumulative 12 hour caloric intake was reduced by ˜11% with no reports of nausea or changes in food palatability (Cohen et al., J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., 88:4696-4701 (2003)). More recently, pre-prandial injections of OXM over a 4 week period in obese healthy volunteers (BMI ˜33) led to a significant reduction of caloric intake on the first day of treatment (˜25%) that was maintained over the course of the study (35% reduction after 4 weeks) (Wynne et al., Diabetes 54:2390-2395 (2005)). Robust weight loss was observed at the end of the study in treated subjects (1.9%, placebo-corrected). Plasma levels of OXM were similar to that observed in the infusion study (peak concentration ˜950 μM). The absence of any tachyphylaxis and a low incidence of mild and transient nausea (˜3%) despite the relatively high doses necessitated by the poor in vivo stability of OXM (plasma t_(1/2)<12 min) renders this hormone one of the few obesity targets with both human validation and an attractive tolerability profile.

OXM has a very short half-life and is rapidly inactivated by the cell surface dipeptidyl peptidase IV (hereafter DP-IV). However, DP-IV inhibitors are weight-neutral in the clinic, suggesting that supraphysiological levels of OXM (900-1000 pM) may be required to achieve weight loss in humans.

Oxyntomodulin therefore shows potential as a treatment for metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity. However, because of the poor in vivo stability of OXM, there exists a need to develop OXM derivatives that can be safely and efficaciously administered for the treatment of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. It would be further desirable if analogs or derivatives were developed that were modified by conjugation to moieties that would improve stability and pharmacokinetics, more particularly modifications that confer resistance to DP-IV cleavage. The instant invention provides OXM polypeptide derivatives and methods for the treatment or prevention of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes by administering the derivatives described herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a polypeptide comprising:

H_(x)X₁X₂GTFTSDYX₃X₄YLDX₅X₆X₆AX₇X₈FVX₇WLX₉X₁₀X₁₁K RNRNNX₁₂X₁₃X₁₄,

wherein H_(x) is selected from the group consisting of His; imidazole-lactic acid (ImiH); desamino-His (ΔNH₂—H); acetyl His; pyroglutamyl His (PyrH); N-methyl-His (Me-H); N,N-dimethyl-His (Me₂-H); Benzoyl His (Bz-H); Benzyl His (Bzl-H); and Phe;

X₁ is selected from the group consisting of Ser; Gly; Ala; Arg; Asn; Asp; Glu; Gln; His; Ile; Lys; Met; Phe; Pro; Thr; Trp; Tyr; Val; D-Ala; D-Ser; and α-aminoisobutyric acid;

X₂ is Gln, Asp, Glu, Pro, Leu or L-norleucine;

X₃ is Ser, Ala, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₄ is Lys, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₅ is Ser or Ala;

X₆ is any amino acid;

X₇ is Gln, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₈ is Asp, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₉ is Met, Met(O), Val, norleucine, alanine, α-aminoisobutyric acid or O-methyl-hombserine;

X₁₀ is Asn, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₁₁ is Thr, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₁₂ is Ile, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₁₃ is Ala, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); and

X₁₄ is amide, carboxylate, secondary amide, Ala, K(palmitoyl), Cys, Cys(mPEG), Cys(cholesteryl) or any linker to which mPEG or cholesterol is linked with a chemical bond. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are contemplated as well.

Additionally, any one or two of X₃, X₄, X₆-X₈, and X₁₀-X₁₄ may be Cys(mPEG) Cys(cholesteryl); Cys(mPEG)teine may also be C₁; C₂; C₃ or C₆, wherein C₁=Cys(mPEG)₅ kDa, C₂=Cys(mPEG)20 kDa, C₃=Cys(mPEG)₂40 kDa, C₆=Cys(MPEG)₂60 kDa and each corresponds to a cysteine residue PEGylated via the side chain thiol with linear methoxyPEG (mPEG) or branched mPEG₂ of the indicated molecular weight.

The present invention relates to OXM polypeptide derivatives of the formula:

HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC₃ wherein C₃=Cys[(mPEG)₂40 kDa], each corresponding to an amidated cysteine residue PEGylated via the side-chain thiol with a branched mPEG [(mPEG)₂] of the indicated MW; α is α-amino isobutyric acid (aib); and m=methionine sulfoxide (Met(O)).

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a polypeptide comprising:

H_(x)SQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA, wherein H_(x) is selected from the group consisting of His, H₁=Imidazole-lactic acid (ImiH); desamino-His (ΔNH₂—H), acetyl His, pyroglutamyl His, N-methyl-His (Me-H), N,N-dimethyl-His (Me₂-H); Benzoyl His (Bz-H), Benzyl His (Bzl-H), and Phe.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a polypeptide comprising:

HX₁QGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA

wherein X₁ is selected from the group consisting of Ser, Gly, Ala, Arg; Asn, Asp, Glu, Gln, His, Ile, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Thr, Trp, Tyr, Val, D-Ala, D-Ser, and α-aminoisobutyric acid.

The present invention further provides for a polypeptide comprising:

HSX₂GTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA

X₂ is selected from the group consisting of Gln, Asp, Glu, Pro, Leu, and L-norleucine.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a polypeptide comprising:

HSQGTFTSDYX₃X₄YLDSX₆X₆AX₇X₈FVX₇WLMX₁₀X₁₁KRNRN NX₁₂X₁₃X₁₄

wherein X₃ is Ser, Ala, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₄ is Lys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₆ is any one of Arg, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₇ is any one of Gln, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₈ is Asp, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₁₀ is Asn, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₁₁ is Thr, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₁₂ is Ile, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₁₃ is Ala, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); and

X₁₄ is amide, carboxylate, secondary amide, Ala, K(palmitoyl), Cys(mPEG), Cys(cholesteryl), or any linker to which mPEG or cholesterol is linked with a chemical bond.

wherein one or two of X₃ X₄, X₆-X₈, and X₁₀-X₁₄ is Cys(mPEG) or Cys(cholesteryl).

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a polypeptide comprising:

HαX₁₅GTFTSDYSKYLDSZZAX₁₆DFVQWLX₁₇NTX₁₈

wherein X₁₅ is D or Q;

Z is any amino acid;

X₁₆ is C₈, Cys(N-ethylmaleimidyl), Q or C;

X₁₇ is m or M;

X₁₈ is an amidated k or K.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a polypeptide comprising:

HαDGTFTSDYSKYDSZZAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAX₁₉,

wherein X₁₉ is C or C₈, Cys(N-ethylmaleimidyl).

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a polypeptide of the formula:

HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDS-TtdsEC-CONH₂

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a polypeptide of the formula:

HaDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIA-Ttds-EEEEEC- COOH, wherein Ttds is 1-amino-4,7,10-trioxa-13-tridecanamine succinimic acid.

In another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method for the treatment of a metabolic disease in a subject comprising administering to the subject a polypeptide as described above. The metabolic disease may be selected from the group consisting of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hyperglycemia, and obesity and may be administered via a route peripheral to the brain, such as an oral, mucosal, buccal, sublingual, nasal rectal, subcutaneous, transdermal intravenous, intramuscular or intraperitoneal route.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide as described above and a pharmaceutically suitable carrier.

The present invention further relates to the use of the polypeptides of the present invention in the preparation of a medicament useful for the treatment or prevention of metabolic disorders such as diabetes or obesity in a subject in need thereof by administering the polypeptides and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts activation of a mutant form of the human GLP-1 receptor by (a) native porcine OXM and (b) PEGylated OXM2 and loss of potency due to preincubation of the peptides with DP-IV.

FIG. 2 shows incretin activity of porcine oxyntomodulin in the lean mouse intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT). % inhibition of glucose excursion is indicated for each group. “ctrl”=vehicle-treated saline-challenged mice, “veh”=vehicle-treated dextrose-challenged mice.

FIG. 3 illustrates the efficacy of the polypeptides denoted by sequences OXM2 and OXM3 in reducing overnight food intake and body weight gain in lean mice. * p≦0.05 relative to the vehicle group.

FIG. 4 depicts the effects of GLP-1 and OXM on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in islets and MIN6 cells.

FIG. 5 shows the effects of GLP-1R deletion and receptor antagonism on OXM, GCG and GLP-1 mediated GSIS in islets.

FIG. 6 illustrates the effect of OXM on GSIS in glucagon receptor −/− islets.

FIG. 7 shows the effects of OXM and exendin-4 on blood glucose and insulin levels during IPGTT in wild-type and GLP-1 R −/− mice.

FIG. 8 shows the acute glucose-lowering effects of OXM99 in the lean mouse IPGTT.

FIG. 9 depicts the effect of OXM99 in reducing blood glucose in lean mice.

FIG. 10 illustrates the glucose-lowering effects of OXM117 in the lean mouse IPGTT.

FIG. 11 shows the duration of action of the OXM analogs OXM117 and OXM99 compared with exendin-4.

FIG. 12 depicts the pharmacokinetics for OXM117 using subcutaneous dosing in the rat.

FIG. 13 shows the results of studies demonstrating that the OXM117 peptide shows no glucagon-like activity in vitro.

FIG. 14 summarizes the in vitro activity data at the GLP1 and GCG receptors in tabular form.

FIG. 15 shows in vivo activity of (mPEG)₂40 kDa conjugates on food intake and body weight loss in the DIO mouse model.

FIG. 16 illustrates in vitro potency data for the C-terminal truncated analogs acting at the GLP1 and GCG receptors.

FIG. 17 presents in vitro potency data for select PEGylated OXM analogs acting at the GLP1 and GCG receptors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to modified OXM derivatives. The OXM derivatives are developed by PEGylation or conjugation to other moieties or carrier proteins to improve stability and pharmacokinetics, and/or by incorporation of substitutions of amino acid residues to render the peptides resistant to DP-IV cleavage. In addition, the stabilized OXM derivatives do not exhibit glucagon receptor agonist activity, and may thereby offer certain advantages in the treatment of hyperglycemia and obesity in diabetic or prediabetic subjects. For those subjects, up-regulation of glucagon receptor signaling should be avoided, since it may result in elevated blood glucose levels.

Unless otherwise specified, the terms “polypeptide,” “protein,” and “peptide” is understood by the skilled artisan to also encompass various modified and/or stabilized forms. Such modified forms may be chemically modified forms, including, without limitation, PEGylated forms, palmitoylated forms, cholesterol-modified forms, etc. Modifications also include intra-molecular crosslinking and covalent attachment to various moieties such as lipids, flavin, biotin, polyethylene glycol derivatives, etc. In addition, modifications may also include cyclization, branching and cross-linking. Further, amino acids other than the conventional twenty amino acids encoded by genes may also be included in a polypeptide.

The Structures of the OXM Derivatives

The present invention provides modified OXM derivatives. In particular, the present invention relates to novel stabilized modified OXM polypeptide derivatives of the formula:

H_(x)X₁X₂GTFTSDYX₃X₄YLDX₅X₆X₆AX₇X₈FVX₇WLX₉X₁₀X₁₁KRNR NNX₁₂X₁₃X₁₄,

wherein H_(x) is selected from the group consisting of His; imidazole-lactic acid (ImiH);

-   desamino-His (ΔNH₂—H); acetyl His; pyroglutamyl His (PyrH);     N-methyl-His (Me-H); N,N-dimethyl-His (Me₂-H); Benzoyl His (Bz-H);     Benzyl His (Bzl-H); and Phe;

X₁ is selected from the group consisting of Ser; Gly; Ala; Arg; Asn; Asp; Glu; Gln; His; Ile; Lys; Met; Phe; Pro; Thr; Trp; Tyr; Val; D-Ala; D-Ser; and α-aminoisobutyric acid;

X₂ is Gln, Asp, Glu, Pro, Leu or L-norleucine;

X₃ is Ser, Ala, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₄ is Lys, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₅ is Ser or Ala;

X₆ is any amino acid;

X₇ is Gln, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₈ is Asp, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₉ is Met, Met(O), Val, norleucine, alanine, α-aminoisobutyric acid or O-methyl-homoserine;

X₁₀ is Asn, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₁₁ is Thr, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₁₂ is Ile, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₁₃ is Ala, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); and

X₁₄ is amide, carboxylate, secondary amide, Ala, K(palmitoyl), Cys, Cys(mPEG), Cys(cholesteryl) or any linker to which mPEG or cholesterol is linked with a chemical bond.

Additionally, any one or two of X₃X₄, X₆-X₈, and X₁₀-X₁₄ may be Cys(mPEG) or Cys(cholesteryl); Cys(mPEG)teine may also be C₁; C₂; C₃ or C₆, wherein C₁=Cys(mPEG)5 kDa, C₂=Cys(mPEG)20 kDa, C₃=Cys(mPEG)₂40 kDa, C₆=Cys(mPEG)₂60 kDa and each corresponds to a cysteine residue PEGylated via the side chain thiol with linear methoxyPEG (mPEG) or branched mPEG₂ of the indicated MW.

The present invention further provides an OXM polypeptide of the formula:

HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC₃ wherein C₃=Cys[(mPEG)₂40 kDa], each corresponding to an amidated cysteine residue PEGylated via the side-chain thiol with a branched mPEG [(mPEG)₂] of the indicated MW; α is α-amino isobutyric acid (aib); and m=methionine sulfoxide [Met(O)].

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a polypeptide comprising:

HX₁QGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA

wherein X₁ is selected from the group consisting of Ser, Gly, Ala, Arg; Asn, Asp, Glu, Gln, His, Ile, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Thr, Trp, Tyr, Val, D-Ala, D-Ser, and α-aminoisobutyric acid.

The present invention further provides for a polypeptide comprising:

HSX₂GTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA

X₂ is selected from the group consisting of Gln, Asp, Glu, Pro, Leu, and L-norleucine.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a polypeptide comprising:

HSQGTFTSDYX₃X₄YLDSX₆X₆AX₇X₈FVX₇WLMX₁₀X₁₁KRNRNN X₁₂X₁₃X₁₄

wherein X₃ is Ser, Ala, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₄ is Lys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₆ is Arg, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₇ is Gln, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₈ is Asp, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₁₀ is Asn, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₁₁ is Thr, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₁₂ is He, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl);

X₁₃ is Ala, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); and

X₁₄ is amide, carboxylate, secondary amide, Ala, K(palmitoyl), Cys(mPEG), Cys(cholesteryl), or any linker to which mPEG or cholesterol is linked with a chemical bond.

wherein one or two of X₃ X₄, X₆-X₈, and X₁₀-X₁₄ is Cys(mPEG) or Cys(cholesteryl).

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a polypeptide comprising:

HαX₁₅GTFTSDYSKYLDSZZAX₁₆DFVQWLX₁₇NTX₁₈

wherein X₁₅ is D or Q;

Z is any amino acid;

X₁₆ is C8, Q or C;

X₁₇ is m or M;

X₁₈ is amidated k or K.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a polypeptide comprising:

HαDGTFTSDYSKYDSZZAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAX₁₉,

wherein X₁₉ is C or C₈.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a polypeptide of the formula:

HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDS-TtdsEC-CONH₂

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a polypeptide of the formula:

HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIA-Ttds-EEEE EC-COOH.

As used herein, the abbreviations of amino acid residues are shown as follows:

Three-Letter One-Letter Amino Acids Abbreviations Abbreviations Alanine Ala A Arginine Arg R Asparagine Asn N Aspartate Asp D Cysteine Cys C Histidine His H Isoleucine Ile I Glutamine Gln Q Glutamate Glu E Glycine Gly G Leucine Leu L Lysine Lys K Methionine Met M Phenylalanine Phe F Proline Pro P Serine Ser S Threonine Thr T Tryptophan Trp W Tyrosine Tyr Y Valine Val V

Unless specifically designated otherwise, all the amino acid residues are in the L-form.

In comparison to the wild-type OXM, the OXM derivatives of the present invention contain several amino acid substitutions, and/or can be PEGylated or otherwise modified (e.g. with cholesterol moieties). Analogs may be double conjugated, e.g., with to both cholesterol and PEG. Such OXM derivatives are resistant to cleavage and inactivation by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DP-IV).

By “receptor agonist” is meant any endogenous or exogenous (drug) substance or compound that can interact with a receptor, for example, the GLP-1R or the glucagon receptor, and thereby initiate a pharmacological or biochemical response characteristic of receptor activation. Typically, the OXM derivatives of the instant invention are characterized by their affinity to the human GLP-1R and display an EC50 for this receptor in the range of 0.1 pM to 1 μM. The OXM derivatives of the instant invention also are characterized by their affinity to the GcgR, displaying an EC50>1 μM.

The OXM derivatives of the present invention may be useful in the reduction of food intake and body weight and may mediate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) from pancreatic islets, thereby providing a treatment option for individuals afflicted with a metabolic disorder such as obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome X, hyperglycemia, impaired fasting glucose, and other prediabetic states.

TABLE 1 OXM Derivatives SEQ ID NO Peptides Sequences 1 OXM1 HGQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAA-COOH 2 OXM2 HGQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₂-COOH 3 OXM3 HGQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₃-COOH 4 OXM-NH₂ HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 5 Ac-OXM- Ac-HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ NH₂ 6 Ac-OXM Ac-HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-COOH 7 OXM4 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-COOH 8 OXM5 HVQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-COOH 9 OXM6 HaQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-COOH 10 OXM7 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-COOH 11 OXM8 HSEGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-COOH 12 OXM9 HSDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-COOH 13 OXM10 HSLGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-COOH 14 OXM11 HSnGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-COOH 15 OXM12 HGEGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-COOH 16 OXM13 FSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-COOH 17 OXM14 Pyr-HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 18 OXM15 HSPGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-COOH 19 OXM16 H ₁SQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 20 OXM17 Me-HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 21 OXM18 H ₂SQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 22 OXM19 Me ₂-HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 23 OXM20 Bz-HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 24 OXM21 Bzl-HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 25 OXM23 HAEGTFTSDVSSYLEGQAAKEFIAWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 26 OXM24 HSQGTFTSDYAKYLDARRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 27 OXM25 HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNI-CONH₂ 28 OXM26 HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNN-CONH₂ 29 OXM27 HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRN-CONH₂ 30 OXM28 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 31 OXM29 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC-CONH₂ 32 OXM30 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMCTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 33 OXM31 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIA-COOH 34 OXM32 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 35 OXM33-36 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC-CONH₂ precursor 36 OXM33 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₁-CONH₂ 37 OXM34 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₂-CONH₂ 38 OXM35 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₃-CONH₂ 39 OXM36 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₄-CONH₂ 40 OXM37 HAQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 41 OXM38 HRQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 42 OXM39 HNQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 43 OXM40 HDQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 44 OXM41 HEQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 45 OXM42 HQQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 46 OXM43 HHQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 47 OXM44 HIQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 48 OXM45 HLQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 49 OXM46 HKQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 50 OXM47 HMQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 51 OXM48 HFQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 52 OXM49 HPQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 53 OXM50 HTQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 54 OXM51 HWQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 55 OXM52 HYQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 56 OXM53 HsEGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 57 OXM54 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₅-CONH₂ 58 OXM55-59 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRACDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ precursor 59 OXM55 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₅DFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 60 OXM56 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₁DFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 61 OXM57 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₂DFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 62 OXM58 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₃DFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 63 OXM59 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₄DFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 64 OXM60 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLnNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 65 OXM61 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMC ₅TKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 66 OXM62 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMC ₁TKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 67 OXM63 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMC ₂TKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 68 OXM64 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMC ₃TKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 69 OXM65 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMC ₄TKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 70 OXM66 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₅-CONH₂ 71 OXM67 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₁-CONH₂ 72 OXM68 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₂-CONH₂ 73 OXM69 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₃-CONH₂ 74 OXM70 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₄-CONH₂ 75 OXM71 HsEGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC-CONH₂ 76 OXM72 HsEGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₅-CONH₂ 77 OXM73 HsEGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₁-CONH₂ 78 OXM74 HsEGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₂-CONH₂ 79 OXM75 HsEGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₃-CONH₂ 80 OXM76 HsEGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₄-CONH₂ 81 OXM77 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQCFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 82 OXM78 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQC ₅FVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 83 OXM79 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQC ₁FVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 84 OXM80 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQC ₂FVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 85 OXM81 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQC ₃FVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 86 OXM82 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQC ₄FVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 87 OXM83 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVCWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 88 OXM84 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVC ₅WLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 89 OXM85 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVC ₁WLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 90 OXM86 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVC ₂WLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 91 OXM87 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVC ₃WLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 92 OXM88 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVC ₄WLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 93 OXM89 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLVNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 94 OXM90 HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNR-CONH₂ 95 OXM91 HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRN-CONH₂ 96 OXM92 HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKR-CONH₂ 97 OXM93 HSQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTK-CONH₂ 98 OXN94 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC-CONH₂ 99 OXM95 HsDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₅-CONH₂ 100 OXM96 HαEGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₅-CONH₂ 101 OXM97 HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAC ₅-CONH₂ 102 OXM98 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC ₅-CONH₂ 103 OXM99 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC ₃-CONH₂ 104 OXM100 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC ₆-CONH₂ 105 OXM101 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC ₄-CONH₂ 106 OXM102 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₅DFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 107 OXM103 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₃DFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 108 OXM104 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQC ₅FVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 109 OXM105 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQC ₃FVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 110 OXM106 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVC ₅WLmNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 111 OXM107 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVC ₃WLmNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 112 OXM108 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMC ₅TKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 113 OXM109 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMC ₃TKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 114 OXM110 HsQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIAK(palmitoyl)- CONH₂ 115 OXM111 H ₂ αQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC-CONH₂ 116 OXM112 H ₂ αQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC ₅-CONH₂ 117 OXM113 H ₂ αQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC ₃-CONH₂ 118 OXM114 H ₂ αQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC ₄-CONH₂ 119 OXM116 HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC-CONH₂ 120 OXM117/145/ HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC ₃-CONH₂ 146 121 OXM118 HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC ₄-CONH₂ 122 OXM119 HαQGTFTSDYCKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 123 OXM120 HαQGTFTSDYC ₅KYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 124 OXM121 HαQGTFTSDYC ₃KYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 125 OXM122 HαQGTFTSDYSCYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 126 OXM123 HαQGTFTSDYSC ₅YLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 127 OXM124 HαQGTFTSDYSC ₃YLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 128 OXM125 HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₃DFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 129 OXM126 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDCVQWLmNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 130 OXM127 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDC ₄VQWLmNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 131 OXM128 H ₂ αDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRACDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 132 OXM129 H ₂ αDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₃DFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 133 OXM130 HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTK-CONH₂ 134 OXM131 HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTK-CONH₂ 135 OXM132 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRACDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 136 OXM133 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₅DFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 137 OXM134 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₃DFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 138 OXM135 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRACDFVQWLmNTK-CONH₂ 139 OXM136 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₃DFVQWLmNTK-CONH₂ 140 OXM137 HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRACDFVQWLmNTK-CONH₂ 141 OXM138 HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₃DFVQWLmNTK-CONH₂ 142 OXM139 HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC ₈-CONH₂ 143 OXM141 HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₃DFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC ₄-CONH₂ 144 OXM142 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₃DFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC ₄-CONH₂ 145 OXM143 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₈DFVQWLmNTK-CONH₂ 146 OXM144 HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₈DFVQWLmNTK-CONH₂ 147 OXM147 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRACDFVQWLMNTK-CONH₂ 148 OXM148 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₈DFVQWLMNTK-CONH₂ 149 OXM149 HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRACDFVQWLmNTk-CONH₂ 150 OXM150 HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₈DFVQWLmNTk-CONH₂ 151 OXM151 HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSEAAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC-CONH₂ 152 OXM152 HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDS-TtdsEC-CONH₂ 153 OXM153 HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSEAAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC ₈-CONH₂ 154 OXM154 HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSEAAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC ₃-CONH₂ 155 OXM155 HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIA-Ttds-EEEEEC-COOH 156 OXM174 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC₃DFVQWLANTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 157 OXM175 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC₃DFVQWLVNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 158 OXM176 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₃DFVQWLαNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ 159 OXM199 HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAC ₃DFVQWLXNTKRNRNNIA-CONH₂ α= α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib); a = D-Ala; s = D-Ser; n = L-norleucine (Nle), X = O-methyl-homoserine; C₁ = Cys (mPEG) 5 kDa, C₂ = Cys (mPEG) 20 kDa, C₃ = Cys (mPEG)₂ 40 kDa, each corresponding to a cysteine residue PEGylated via the side-chain thiol with linear methoxyPEG (mPEG) or branched mPEG [(mPEG)₂] of the indicated MW; C₄ = Cys (Cholesteryl), corresponding to a cysteine residue linked to cholesterol via the side-chain thiol; C₅ = Cys(CH₂CONH₂), corresponding to a cysteine residue in which the side-chain thiol was reacted with iodoacetamide; C₆ = Cys (mPEG)₂60 kDa, each corresponding to a cysteine residue PEGylated via the side-chain thiol with linear methoxyPEG (mPEG) or branched mPEG₂mPEG [(mPEG)₂] of the indicated MW; H₁ = Imidazole-lactic acid (ImiH); H₂ = desamino-His (ΔNH₂—H)¹ Ac = Acetyl; Pyr = pyroglutamyl; Me-H = N-methyl-His; Me₂-H = N,N-dimethyl-His; Bz = Benzoyl (C7H5O); Bzl = Benzyl(C7H7); m = methionine sulfoxide. C₇ = (Cys)₂ (mPEG)2-40 kDa, each corresponding to two cysteine residues PEGylated via the side chain thiol to the same one linear methoxyPEG (mPEG) or one branched mPEG [(mPEG)₂], C₈ = Cys (N-ethylmaleimidyl); Ttds, 1-amino-4,7,10-trioxa-13-tridecanamine succinimic acid; k, D-Lysine.

1.1. Amino Acid Substitutions and Modifications

Substitution at X₁ (position 2 of OXM) is designed to improve the resistance of the OXM derivatives to proteolysis by DP-W, which plays a key role in the degradation of many peptides, including OXM and GLP-1. It has been reported that substitution of Ser at position 2 with Gly in GLP-1 improves resistance to DP-IV cleavage (Lotte, B. K., J. Med. Chem., 47:4128-4134 (2004)). In spite of the high degree of sequence homology between OXM and GLP-1, the Ser→Gly substitution at position 2 was not found to confer a similar effect on the modified OXM. However, the substitution of Ser at position 2 with Val, Ile, Asp, Glu, Met, Trp, Asn, D-Ala, D-Ser, or α-aminoisobutyric acid rendered the corresponding OXM derivative more resistant to DP-IV than the wild-type OXM, as discussed infra in the Examples. Peptides with a substitution at X₁ (position 2 of OXM) include: OXM4-7, 12, 23, 28-59, and the precursors of OXM133-36 and OXM55-59.

The substitutions at X₂ (position 3 of OXM) are designed to create OXM derivatives that are selective agonists of GLP-1R with minimal or no activation of GcgR. Such OXM derivatives may be advantageous when treating obese diabetics. Peptides with a substitution at X₂ (position 3 of OXM) include: OXM8-12, 15, 23, 53, 95, 96 and 97.

Similarly, the substitutions to Ala at X₃ and X₅ (positions 11 and 16) are designed to create OXM derivatives that are selective for GLP-1R and have no activity against GcgR. One such example of the substitutions to Ala at X₃ and X₅ (positions 11 and 16) is OXM24.

The substitutions to cysteine at any one or more of positions X₃ X₄, X₆-X₈, and X₁₀-X₁₄ allow for the PEGylation or cholesterylation of the OXM derivative at specific sites. Other substitutions or modifications are known in the art and include those which physically adhere to the surface of the active agent but do not chemically bond to or interact with the active agent. Two or more such modifications can be employed and may be selected from known organic and inorganic pharmaceutical excipients, including various polymers, low molecular weight oligomers, natural products, and surfactants.

1.2. PEGylation and/or Cholesterylation

The invention contemplates the use of multi-functional polymer derivatives, as exemplified by bifunctional and multi-arm N-maleimidyl PEG derivatives. A wide variety of polyethylene glycol (PEG) species may be used for PEGylation of the novel OXM derivatives of the present invention. Substantially any suitable reactive PEG reagent can be used and suitable species include, but are not limited to, those which are available for sale in the Drug Delivery Systems catalog of NOF Corporation (Yebisu Garden Place Tower, 20-3 Ebisu 4-chome, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-6019) and, for exemplary purposes, of the Molecular Engineering catalog of Nelctar Therapeutics (490 Discovery Drive, Huntsville, Ala. 35806). By way of example and not limitation, the following PEG reagents are often preferred in various embodiments: multi-Arm PEG, mPEG(MAL)₂, mPEG2(MAL), any of the SUNBRIGHT activated PEGs (including but not limited to carboxyl-PEGs, p-NP-PEGs, Tresyl-PEGs, aldehyde PEGs, acetal-PEGs, amino-PEGs, thiol-PEGs, maleimido-PEGs, hydroxyl-PEG-amine, amino-PEG-COOH, hydroxyl-PEG-aldehyde, carboxylic anhydride type-PEG, functionalized PEG-phospholipid), and other similar and/or suitable reactive PEGs as selected by those skilled in the art for their particular application and usage.

The novel OXM derivative peptides of the present invention can also contain two PEG moieties that are covalently attached via a carbamate or an amide linkage to a spacer moiety, wherein the spacer moiety is covalently bonded to the tertiary amide linker of the peptide. Each of the two PEG moieties used in such embodiments of the present invention may be linear and may be linked together at a single point of attachment. In one embodiment of the invention, each PEG moiety has a molecular weight of about 10 kilodaltons (10K) to about 60K (the term “about” indicating that in preparations of PEG, some molecules will weigh more, and some less, than the stated molecular weight). Each of the two PEG moieties may have a molecular weight of about 20K to about 40K. One skilled in the art will be able to select the desired polymer size based on such considerations as the desired dosage; circulation time; resistance to proteolysis; effects, if any, on biological activity; ease in handling; degree or lack of antigenicity; and other known effects of PEG on a therapeutic peptide.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the polymer backbone of the N-maleimidyl polymer derivative is a poly(alkylene glycol), copolymer thereof, terpolymer thereof, or mixture thereof. Examples include poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), and copolymers of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. As explained in greater detail below, more preferred embodiments of the invention utilize PEG polymers, such as bifunctional PEG, multiarmed PEG, forked PEG, branched PEG, pendent PEG, and PEG with degradable linkages therein. However, it should be understood that other related polymers are also suitable for use in the practice of this invention and that the use of the term PEG or poly(ethylene glycol) is intended to be inclusive and not exclusive in this respect. The term PEG includes poly(ethylene glycol) in any of its forms, including bifunctional PEG, multiarmed PEG, forked PEG, branched PEG, pendent PEG (i.e. PEG or related polymers having one or more functional groups pendent to the polymer backbone), or PEG with degradable linkages therein.

The polymer backbone can be linear or branched. PEG is commonly used in branched forms that can be prepared by addition of ethylene oxide to various polyols, such as glycerol, glycerol oligomers, pentaerythritol and sorbitol. The central branch moiety can also be derived from several amino acids, such as lysine. The branched poly(ethylene glycol) can be represented in general form as R(-PEG-OH)_(m) in which R is derived from a core moiety, such as glycerol, glycerol oligomers, or pentaerythritol, and m represents the number of arms. Multi-armed PEG molecules, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,932,462, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, can also be used as the polymer backbone.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing list for substantially water soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbones is by no means exhaustive and is merely illustrative, and that all polymeric materials having the qualities described above are contemplated.

The sites of PEGylation on the OXM derivatives of the present invention are chosen taking into account the structure of OXM and its interactions with glucagon and GLP-1 receptors. Hence, the PEGylation is preferably site-specific. PEGylation at the thiol side-chain of cysteine has been widely reported (see, e.g., Caliceti & Veronese, 2003). If there is no Cys residue in the peptide, it can be introduced through substitution. The OXM derivatives of the present invention may be PEGylated through the side chains of cysteine. The OXM derivatives may contain Cys(mPEG)teine. The mPEG in Cys(mPEG)teine can have various molecular weights. The range of the molecular weight is preferably 5 kDa to 200 kDa, more 5 kDa to 100 kDa, and further preferably 20 kDa to 60 kDA. The mPEG can be linear or branched. For instance, the Cys(mPEG)teine of present invention may be C₁, C₂, C₃ or C₆. As exemplified herein, C₁ is Cys(mPEG)teine with a linear mPEG with a molecular weight of 5 kDa (Cys(mPEG)₅ kDa) (e.g., MPEG-MAL-5000, NEKTAR 2F2MOH01); C₂ is Cys(mPEG)teine with a linear mPEG with a molecular weight of 20 kDa (Cys(mPEG)₂₀ kDa) (e.g., MPEG-MAL-20K, NEKTAR 2F2MOP01); C₃ is Cys(mPEG)teine with a branched mPEG with a molecular weight of 40 kDa (Cys(mPEG)₂40 kDa) (e.g., MPEG2-MAL-40K, NEKTAR 2D3Y0T01 or Y Shape PEG Maleimide, MW40K (JenKem Technology, item number Y-MAL-40K or SUNBRIGHT GL2-400MA Maleimide, (NOF Corporation) and C₆ is Cys(mPEG)teine with a branched mPEG with a molecular weight of 60 kDa (Cys(mPEG)₂60 kDa) (e.g., MPEG2-MAL-60K, NEKTAR 2D3Y0V01).

Alternatively, the cysteine residues in the OXM derivatives can also be derivatized with cholesterol via the side-chain thiol. Examples of cholesteryl OXM derivatives include: OXM36, OXM59, OXM65, OXM70, OXM76, OXM82, OXM88, and OXM101.

1.3. Other Modifications

The N-terminal Histidine H_(x) can be mutated with derivatives from the group consisting of His, H₁=Imidazole-lactic acid (ImiH); desamino-His (ΔNH₂—H), acetyl His, pyroglutamyl His(PyrH, N-methyl-His (Me-H), N,N-dimethyl-His (Me₂-H); Benzoyl His (Bz-H), Benzyl His (Bzl-H) and Phe. Acetylation and other modification and N-terminal capping groups at the N-terminus may stabilize OXM against DP-IV cleavage, while the amidation of C-terminus may prevent potential degradation in vivo by carboxypeptidases. OXM derivatives with N-terminal modifications include OXM14, and OXM16-22.

As illustrated in the examples, equimolar doses of OXM2 and OXM3 were effective in reducing overnight body weight gain in mice fed ad libitum, whereas similar doses of OXM1 and wild type or native (wt) Oxm were not efficacious in this model. OXM3 had the highest in vivo efficacy in dose-dependently reducing overnight body weight gain, likely reflecting its higher potency against GLP-1R compared to OXM2, which has a bulkier PEG moiety that likely interferes with receptor binding. For the PEGylated OXM derivatives, increased in vivo efficacy relative to wt OXM suggests that some stabilization against proteolysis, and for renal clearance, is induced by PEGylation alone, since both OXM2 and OXM3 are significantly less potent than native OXM against GLP-1R in vitro.

Additionally, a blood component may be utilized to stabilize the peptide. Preferred blood components comprise proteins such as immunoglobulins, serum albumin, ferritin, steroid binding proteins, transferrin, thyroxin binding protein, alpha.-2-macroglobulin, haptoglobin and the like.

2. Synthesis of the OXM Derivatives 2.1. The Synthesis of Peptides

The following general procedure was used to synthesize some of the OXM derivatives. Solid phase peptide synthesis was performed using Fmoc chemistry under batch or continuous flow conditions (see, for example, Pennington and Dunn, Peptide Synthesis Protocols (1994), vol. 35) using PEG-polystyrene resins. Peptides were cleaved from the resin and deprotected using trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), and cation scavengers such as phenol triisopropylsilane, and water. Peptides were precipitated with cold methyl-t-butyl ether and the precipitated peptide was washed twice with cold ether prior to lyophilization. Peptide identity was confirmed by reversed-phase HPLC on a C4 column using water/acetonitrile with 0.1% TFA as typical mobile phases, and by electrospray mass spectrometry. Peptides were purified to >95% by reverse phase HPLC.

2.2 PEGylation of Peptides

Peptides are first synthesized and are then PEGylated at the thiol side-chain of cysteine. The following general procedure was used for PEGylation of peptides.

PEGylation reactions were run between a thiolated peptide precursor and a maleimide-mPEG to form a thioether bond. The reaction was run at a pH 7.3 and the maleimide-mPEG amount ranged from 0.5 to 10-fold molar excess with respect to the thiolated peptide. The PEGylated OXM peptide was then isolated using reverse-phase HPLC or ion-exchange chromatography followed by size exclusion chromatography. Finally, PEGylated peptides were characterized using analytical RP-HPLC, and MALDI tof mass spectrometry.

3. Implications of OXM-Based Therapy

OXM-based therapy has the potential to favorably impact both obesity and diabetes. Weight loss efficacy and reduction in food intake upon peripheral administration of OXM has been well validated in humans. Studies by the present inventors have shown that peripherally administered porcine OXM is sufficient to reduce short term food intake and overnight body weight gain in mice. Although the incretin (antihyperglycemic) activity of OXM has not been well investigated to date, it has been demonstrated for the first time that the glucose lowering activity of OXM is comparable to that of GLP-1 in a mouse intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT). Like GLP-1, OXM induces robust glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) from static isolated murine islets and perfused rat pancreata (Jarrousse et al., Endocrinology, 115:102-105 (1984)), suggesting a low risk of hypoglycemia compared to conventional insulin secretagogues. In rats, negligible effects of OXM on gastric emptying have been reported (Dakin et al., Endocrinology, 145:2687-2695 (2004)). In mice, OXM reduces gastric emptying by ˜25% at a maximally efficacious dose for glucose lowering, which is less than that produced by a maximally efficacious dose of the GLP-1 receptor agonist exendin 4 (47% reduction). Potentially benign effects of OXM on gastric emptying in humans may therefore play a role in the enhanced tolerability of this peptide hormone compared to current GLP-1 mimetics.

It is suggested that the polypeptides of the present invention may be useful for the treatment of obesity and/or diabetes. Secondary indications are metabolic syndrome, hyperglycemia, impaired fasting glucose, and other prediabetic states. Alternate indications for the polypeptides of the present invention include any and all indications for GLP-1 such as irritable bowel syndrome and other absorptive diseases of the gut, ischemia, stroke, and neurological disorders including anxiety, impaired cognition, and Alzheimer's disease.

The peptidyl nature of OXM precludes oral therapy with the native hormone. By contrast, the OXM derivatives presented herein may be administered as a pharmaceutical composition comprising one of the polypeptides of the present invention in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier which is suitable for administration by a variety of routes, including but not limited to oral, intranasal, sublingual, intraduodenal, subcutaneous, buccal, intracolonic, rectal, vaginal, mucosal, pulmonary, transdermal, intradermal, parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular and intraocular at a dosage range of 0.001 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg, more preferably from 1 μg/kg to 200 mg/kg with a dosing frequency ranging from twice daily to once per week or longer. The peptide pharmaceutical compositions can be administered in a variety of unit dosage forms depending upon the method of administration. Suitable unit dosage forms, include, but are not limited to powders, tablets, pills, capsules, lozenges, suppositories, patches, nasal sprays, injectables, implantable sustained-release formulations, lipid complexes, etc. The peptides are typically combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient which can contain one or more physiologically acceptable compound(s) that may act to stabilize the composition or to increase or decrease the absorption of the active agent(s). Physiologically acceptable compounds can include, for example, carbohydrates, such as glucose, sucrose, or dextran, antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid or glutathione, chelating agents, low molecular weight proteins, protection and uptake enhancers such as lipids, compositions that reduce the clearance or hydrolysis of the active agents, or excipients or other stabilizers and/or buffers. Other physiologically acceptable compounds include wetting agents, emulsifying agents, dispersing agents or preservatives that are particularly useful for preventing the growth or action of microorganisms. Various preservatives are well known and include, for example, phenol and ascorbic acid. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the choice of pharmaceutically acceptable carrier(s), including a physiologically acceptable compound depends, for example, on the route of administration of the active agent(s) and on the particular physio-chemical characteristics of the active agent(s).

The peptides can be administered in the native form or, if desired, in the form of salts provided the salts are pharmaceutically acceptable. Salts of the active agents may be prepared using standard procedures known to those skilled in the art of synthetic organic chemistry. Polypeptides of the present invention, as detailed in the Examples, were prepared as acetate salts.

An OXM polypeptide of the instant invention can be used in combination with other agents used in the treatment or prevention of diseases implicating the GLP1-R. Specific compounds of use in combination with a polypeptide of the present invention include: simvastatin, mevastatin, ezetimibe, atorvastatin, sitagliptin, metformin, sibutramine, orlistat, Qnexa, topiramate, naltrexone, bupriopion, phentermine, and losartan, losartan with hydrochlorothiazide. Specific CB1 antagonists/inverse agonists of use in combination with a polypeptide of the present invention include: those described in WO03/077847, including: N43-(4-chlorophenyl)-2(S)-phenyl-[(S)-methylpropyl]-2-(4-trifluoromethyl-2-pyrimidyloxy)-2-methylpropanamide, N-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(3-cyanophenyl)-1-methylpropyl]-2-(5-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridyloxy)-2-methylpropanamide, N-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(5-chloro-3-pyridyl)-1-methylpropyl]-2-(5-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridyloxy)-2-methylpropanamide, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; as well as those in WO05/000809, which includes the following: 3-{1-[bis(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]azetidin-3-ylidene}-3-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanenitrile, 1-{1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)pentyl]azetidin-3-yl}-1-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-2-methylpropan-2-ol. 3-((S)-(4-chlorophenyl){3-[(1S)-1-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl]azetidin-1-yl}methyl)benzonitrile, 3-((S)-(4-chlorophenyl){3-[(1S)-1-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl]azetidin-1-yl}methyl)benzonitrile, 3-((4-chlorophenyl){3-[1-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropyl]azetidin-1-yl)methyl)benzonitrile, 3-((1S)-1-{1-[(S)-(3-cyanophenyl)(4-cyanophenyl)methyl]azetidin-3-yl}-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl)-5-fluorobenzonitrile, 3-[(S)-(4-chlorophenyl)(3-{(1S)-2-fluoro-1-[3-fluoro-5-(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)phenyl]-2-methylpropyl}azetidin-1-yl)methyl]benzonitrile, and 5-((4-chlorophenyl){3-[(1S)-1-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl]azetidin-1-yl}methyl)thiophene-3-carbonitrile, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; as well as: 3-[(S)-(4-chlorophenyl)(3-{(1S)-2-fluoro-1-[3-fluoro-5-(5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl]-2-methylpropyl}azetidin-1-yl)methyl]benionitrile, 3-[(S)-(4-chlorophenyl)(3-{(1S)-2-fluoro-1,3-fluoro-5-(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl]-2-methylpropyl}azetidin-1-yl)methyl]benzonitrile, 3-[(5)-{3-[(1S)-1-[3-(5-amino-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-5-fluorophenyl]-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl}azetidin-1-yl)(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]benzonitrile, 3-[(S)-(4-cyanophenyl)(3-{(1S)-2-fluoro-1-[3-fluoro-5-(5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl]-2-methylpropyl}azetidin-1-yl)methyl]benzonitrile, 3-[(S)-(3-{(1S)-1-[3-(5-amino-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-5-fluorophenyl]-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl}azetidin-1-yl)(4-cyanophenyl)methyl]benzonitrile, 3-[(S)-(4-cyanophenyl)(3-{(1S)-2-fluoro-1-[3-fluoro-5-(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl]-2-methylpropyl}azetidin-1-yl)methyl]benzonitrile, 3-[(S)-(4-chlorophenyl)(3-{(1S)-2-fluoro-1-[3-fluoro-5-(1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)phenyl]-2-methylpropyl}azetidin-1-yl)methyl]benzonitrile, 3-[(1S)-1-(1-{(S)-(4-cyanophenyl){3-(1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)phenyl]-methyl}azetidin-3-yl)-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl]-5-fluorobenzonitrile, 5-(3-{1-[1-(diphenylmethyl)azetidin-3-yl)-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl}-5-fluorophenyl)-1H-tetrazole, 5-(3-{1-[1-(diphenylmethyl)azetidin-3-yl]-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl}-5-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-1H-tetrazole, 5-(3-{1-[1-(diphenylmethyl)azetidin-3-yl]-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl}-5-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-2H-tetrazole, 3-[(4-chlorophenyl)(3-{2-fluoro-1-[3-fluoro-5-(2-methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]-2-methylpropyl}azetidin-1-yl)methyl]benzonitrile, 3-[(4-chlorophenyl)(3-{2-fluoro-1-[3-fluoro-5-(1-methyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]-2-methylpropyl}azetidin-1-yl)methyl]benzonitrile, 3-[(4-cyanophenyl)(3-{2-fluoro-1-[3-fluoro-5-(1-methyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]-2-methylpropyl}azetidin-1-yl)methyl]benzonitrile, 3-[(4-cyanophenyl)(3-{2-fluoro-1-[3-fluoro-5-(2-methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]-2-methylpropyl}azetidin-1-yl)methyl]benzonitrile, 5-{3-[(S)-{3-[(1S)-1-(3-bromo-5-fluorophenyl)-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl]azetidin-1-yl}(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]phenyl}-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2(3H)-one, 3-[(1S)-1-(1-{(S)-(4-chlorophenyl)[3-(5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl]methyl}azetidin-3-yl)-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl]-5-fluorobenzonitrile, 3-[(1S)-1-[1-{(S)-(4-cyanophenyl)[3-(5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl]methyl}azetidin-3-yl)-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl]-5-fluorobenzonitrile, 3-[(1S)-1-(1-{(S)-(4-cyanophenyl)[3-(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl]methyl}azetidin-3-yl)-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl]-5-fluorobenzonitrile, 3-[(1S)-1-(1-{(S)-(4-chlorophenyl)[3-(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl]methyl}azetidin-3-yl)-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl)-5-fluorobenzonitrile, 3-((1S)-1-{1-[(S)-[3-(5-amino-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl](4-chlorophenyl)methyl}azetidin-3-yl}-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl)-5-fluorobenzonitrile, 3-((1S)-1-{1-[(S)-[3-(5-amino-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl](4-cyanophenyl)methyl]azetidin-3-yl}-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl)-5-fluorobenzonitrile, 3-[(1S)-1-(1-{(S)-(4-cyanophenyl)[3-(1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)phenyl]methyl}azetidin-3-yl)-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl]-5-fluorobenzonitrile, 3-[(1S)-1-(1-{(S)-(4-chlorophenyl)[3-(1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)phenyl]methyl}azetidin-3-yl)-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl]-5-fluorobenzonitrile, 5-[3-((S)-(4-chlorophenyl){3-[(1S)-1-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl]azetidin-1-yl]methyl)phenyl}-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2(1H)-one, 5-[3-((S)-(4-chlorophenyl){3-[(1S)-1-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl]azetidin-1-yl}methyl)phenyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2(3H)-one, 4-{(8)-{3-[(15)-1-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-2-fluoro-2-methylpropyl]azetidin-1-yl}[3-(5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl]methyl}-benzonitrile, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Specific NPY5 antagonists of use in combination with a polypeptide of the present invention include: 3-oxo-N-(5-phenyl-2-pyrazinyl)-spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H), 4′-piperidine]-1′-carboxamide, 3-oxo-N-(7-trifluoromethylpyrido[3,2-b]pyridin-2-yl)spiro-[isobenzofuran-1(3H), 4′-piperidine]-1′-carboxamide, N-[5-(3-fluorophenyl)-2-pyrimidinyl]-3-oxospiro-[isobenzofuran-1(3H), 4′-piperidine]-1′-carboxamide, trans-3′-oxo-N-(5-phenyl-2-pyrimidinyl)spiro[cyclohexane-1,1′(3′H)-isobenzofuran]-4-carboxamide, trans-3′-oxo-N41-(3-quinolyl)-4-imidazolyl]spiro[cyclohexane-1,1′(3′H)-isobenzofuran]-4-carboxamide, trans-3-oxo-N-(5-phenyl-2-pyrazinyl)spiro[4-azaiso-benzofuran-1(3H), 1′-cyclohexane]-4′-carboxamide, trans-N15-(3-fluorophenyl)-2-pyrimidinyl]-3-oxospiro[5-azaisobenzofuran-1(3H), 1′-cyclohexane]-4′-carboxamide, trans-N45-(2-fluorophenyl)-2-pyrimidinyl]-3-oxospiro[5-azaisobenzofuran-1(3H), 1′-cyclohexane]-4′-carboxamide, trans-N-[1-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-4-imidazolyl]-3-oxospiro[7-azaisobenzofuran-1(3H), 1′-cyclohexane}-4′-carboxamide, trans-3-oxo-N-(1-phenyl-4-pyrazolyl)spiro[4-azaisobenzofuran-1(3H), 1′-cyclohexane]-4′-carboxamide, trans-N41-(2-fluorophenyl)-3-pyrazolyl]-3-oxospiro[6-azaisobenzofuran-1(3H),1′-cyclohexane]-4′-carboxamide, trans-3-oxo-N-(1-phenyl-3-pyrazolyl)spiro[6-aisobenzofuran-1(3H),1′-cyclohexane]-4′-carboxamide, trans-3-oxo-N-(2-phenyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)spiro[6-azaisobenzofuran-1(3H), 1′-cyclohexane]-4′-carboxamide, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof.

Specific ACC-1/2 inhibitors of use in combination with a polypeptide of the present invention include: 1′-[(4,8-dimethoxyquinolin-2-yl)carbonyl]-6-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)spiro[chroman-2,4′-piperidin]-4-one, (5-{1′-[4,8-dimethoxyquinolin-2-yl)carbonyl]-4-oxospiro[chroman-2,4′-piperidin]-6-yl}-2H-tetrazol-2-yl)methyl pivalate, 5-{1′-[(8-cyclopropyl-4-methoxyquinolin-2-yl)carbonyl]-4-oxospiro[chroman-2,4′-piperidin]-6-yl}nicotinic acid, 1′-(8-methoxy-4-morpholin-4-yl-2-naphthoyl)-6-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)spiro[chroman-2,4′-piperidin]-4-one, and 1′-[(4-ethoxy-8-ethylquinolin-2-yl)carbonyl]-6-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)spiro[chroman-2,4′-piperidin]-4-one, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Specific MCH1R antagonist compounds of use in combination with a polypeptide of the present invention include: 1-{4-[(1-ethylazetidin-3-yl)oxy]phenyl}-4-[(4-fluorobenzyl)oxy]pyridin-2(1H)-one, 4-[(4-fluorobenzyl)oxy]-1-{4-[(1-isopropylazetidin-3-yl)oxy]phenyl}pyridin-2(1H)-one, 144-(azetidin-3-yloxy)phenyl]-4-[(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)methoxy]pyridin-2(1H)-one, 4-[(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)methoxy]-1-{4-[(1-ethylazetidin-3-yl)oxy]phenyl}pyridin-2(1H)-one, 4-[(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)methoxy]-1-{4-[(1-propylazetidin-3-yl)oxy]phenyl}pyridin-2(1H)-one, and 4-[(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)methoxy]-1-(4-{[(25)-1-ethylazetidin-2-yl]methoxy}phenyl)pyridin-2(1H)-one, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Specific DP-IV inhibitors of use in combination with a polypeptide of the present invention are selected from 7-[(3R)-3-amino-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butanoyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazine. In particular, the compound of formula I is favorably combined with 7-[(3R)-3-amino-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butanoyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazine, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Additionally, other peptide analogs and mimetics of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP-1), may also be of use in combination with a polypeptide of the present invention.

Other features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the additional descriptions provided herein including the different examples. The provided examples illustrate different components and methodology useful in practicing the present invention. The examples do not limit the claimed invention. Based on the present disclosure the skilled artisan can identify and employ other components and methodology useful for practicing the present invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Synthesis of Oxyntomodulin (OXM) Analogs

The peptide OXM analogs (see Table 1) were synthesized by solid phase using Fmoc/tBu chemistry on a peptide multisynthesizer APEX 396 (Advanced Chemtech) using a 40-well reaction block. Each peptide was synthesized in a single well. For peptide amides 0.1 g of a resin Fmoc-Linker AM-Champion, 1% cross-linked (Biosearch Technologies, Inc.) and a PEG-PS based resin derivatized with a modified Rink linker p-[(R,S)-α-[9H-Fluoren-9-yl-methoxyformamido]-2,4-dimethoxybenzyl]-phenoxyacetic acid (Rink, H., 1987, Tetrahedron Lett. 28:3787-3789; Bernatowicz, M. S. et al., 1989, Tetrahedron Lett. 30:4645-4667) was used. For peptide acids, 0.1 g of Champion resin, 1% cross-linked (Biosearch Technologies, Inc.) was used, which was previously derivatized with a hydroxymethylphenoxymethyl handle. All the amino acids were dissolved at a 0.5 M concentration in a solution of 0.5M HOBt (Hydroxybenzotriazole) in DMF. The acylation reactions were performed for 60 min with 6-fold excess of activated amino acid over the resin free amino groups. The amino acids were activated with equimolar amounts of HBTU (2-(1H-benzotriazole-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate) and a 2-fold molar excess of DIEA (N,N-diisopropylethylamine).

Alternatively, the peptides were synthesized by solid phase using Fmoc/t-Bu chemistry on a Pioneer Peptide Synthesizer (Applied Biosystems). In this case, all the acylation reactions were performed for 60 minutes with a 4-fold excess of activated amino acid over the resin free amino groups following the end of peptide assembly on the synthesizer. The side chain protecting groups were: tert-butyl for Asp, Glu, Ser, Thr and Tyr; trityl for Asn, Cys, Gln and His; tert-butoxy-carbonyl for Lys, Trp; and, 2,2,4,6,7-pentamethyldihydrobenzofuran-5-sulfonyl for Arg. For the OXM2 and OXM3 peptides, the acetylation reaction was performed at the end of the peptide assembly by reaction with a 10-fold excess of acetic anhydride in DMF.

For OXM14, L-pyroglutamic acid was acylated by reaction with equimolar amounts of DIPC (diisopropylcarbodiimide) and HOBt (N-hydroxybenzotriazole) with a 4-fold excess of activated acylant over the resin free amino groups.

For OXM16, imidazole-lactic acid (Imi-H) was acylated by reaction with equimolar amounts of PyBOP (Benzotriazole-1-yl-oxy-tris-pyrrolidino-phosphonium hexafluorophosphate), HOBt and a 2-fold molar excess of DIEA (N,N-diisopropylethylamine) with a 4-fold excess of activated acylant over the resin free amino groups.

For OXM17, N-methyl-His (Me-H) was acylated by reaction with equimolar amounts of HBTU (2-(1H-benzotriazole-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate) and a 2-fold molar excess of DMA. The acylation reaction was performed for 180 min with a 3-fold excess of activated acylant over the resin free amino groups.

For OXM18, desamino-His (ΔNH₂—H) was acylated by reaction with equimolar amounts of HBTU and a 2-fold molar excess of DIEA. The acylation reaction was performed for 180 min with a 3-fold excess of activated acylant over the resin free amino groups.

For OXM19, N,N-dimethyl-His (Me₂-H) was acylated by reaction with equimolar amounts of HBTU and a 2-fold molar excess of DMA. The acylation reaction was performed overnight with a 3-fold excess of activated acylant over the resin free amino groups.

For OXM20, benzoyl-His (Bz-H) was acylated by reaction with equimolar amounts of HBTU and a 2-fold molar excess of DIEA. The acylation reaction was performed for 240 min with a 3-fold excess of activated acylant over the resin free amino groups.

For OXM21, Benzyl-His (Bzl-H) was acylated by reaction with equimolar amounts of HBTU and a 2-fold molar excess of DIEA. The acylation reaction was performed overnight with a 3-fold excess of activated acylant over the resin free amino groups.

At the end of the synthesis, the dry peptide-resins were individually treated with 20 mL of the cleavage mixture, 88% TFA, 5% phenol, 2% triisopropylsilane and 5% water (Sole, N. A. and G. Barany, 1992, J. Org. Chem. 57:5399-5403) for 1.5 hours at room temperature. Each resin was filtered and the solution was added to cold methyl-t-butyl ether in order to precipitate the peptide. After centrifugation, the peptide pellets were washed with fresh cold methyl-t-butyl ether to remove the organic scavengers. The process was repeated twice. Final pellets were dried, resuspended in H₂O, 20% acetonitrile, and lyophilized.

The synthesis of peptide OXM54 was performed by dissolving the thiol containing OXM peptide precursor (SEQ ID NO: 41) in TrisHCl 0.1M pH 8, guanidinium chloride 6M. A 10 molar excess of iodoacetamide was added. After 1 hour incubation, the peptide solution was purified by HPLC.

The synthesis of peptide OXM55 was performed by dissolving the thiol containing OXM peptide precursor (SEQ ID NO: 64) in TrisHCl 0.1M pH 8, guanidinium chloride 6M. A 10 molar excess of iodoacetamide was added to this solution. After 1 hour incubation, the peptide solution was purified by HPLC.

The crude peptides were purified by reverse-phase HPLC using semi-preparative Waters RCM Delta-Pak™ C⁻⁴ cartridges (40×200 mm, 15 um) and using as eluents (A) 0.1% TFA in water and (B) 0.1% TFA in acetonitrile. The following gradient of eluent B was used: 20%-20% over 5 min and 20%-35% over 20 min, flow rate 80 mL/min. Analytical HPLC was performed on a Phenomenex, Jupiter C₄ column (150×4.6 mm, 5 um) with the following gradient of eluent B: 20%-40% B (in 20 min)-80% (in 3 min), flow rate 1 mL/min. The purified peptide was characterized by electrospray mass spectrometry on a Micromass LCZ platform.

Example 2 PEGylation of Oxyntomodulin (OXM) Analogs

PEGylation reactions were run under conditions permitting thioester bond formation. The PEGylated OXM peptide was then isolated using reverse-phase HPLC or ion exchange chromatography and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). PEGylated OXM analogs were characterized using RP-HPLC, HPLC-SEC and MALDI-T of Mass Spectrometry.

OXM33, 34, 35, 36 and 54 peptides were synthesized from the thiol-containing OXM peptide precursor (SEQ ID NO: 41) to produce derivatives with PEG covalently attached via a thioether bond.

Synthesis of OXM433

10 mg of peptide precursor (2.2 μmoles) were dissolved in 0.2 mL of HEPES 0.1M pH 7.3, Guanidinium Chloride 6M, 2 mM EDTA. 22 mg of MPEG-MAL-5000 (NEKTAR 2F2MOH01) (4.4 μmoles) dissolved in 0.4 mL HEPES 0.1M, pH 7.3 (1:2 mole/mole ratio of peptide to PEG) was added to this solution. After 1 hour incubation, the PEGylated peptide was purified by RP-HPLC and characterized by MALDI-T of.

Synthesis of OXM34

10 mg of peptide precursor (2.2 μmoles) were dissolved in 0.2 mL of HEPES 0.1M pH 7.3, Guanidinium Chloride 6M, 2 mM EDTA. 80 mg of MPEG-MAL-20K (NEKTAR 2F2MOP01) (4.0 μmoles) dissolved in 0.5 mL HEPES 0.1M, pH 7.3 (1:1.8 mole/mole ratio of peptide to PEG) was added to this solution. After 1 hour incubation, the PEGylated peptide was purified by RP-HPLC and characterized by MALDI-T of.

Synthesis of OXM35

10 mg of peptide precursor (0.92 μmoles) were dissolved in 0.4 mL of HEPES 0.1M pH 7.3, Guanidinium Chloride 6M, 2 mM EDTA. 70 mg of MPEG2-MAL-40K (NEKTAR 2D3Y0T01) (1.7 μmoles) dissolved in 0.8 mL HEPES 0.1M, pH 7.3 in a 1:1.8 mole/mole ratio of peptide to PEG was added to this solution. After 1 hour incubation, the PEGylated peptide was purified by RP-HPLC and characterized by MALDI-T of.

The control peptide OXM54, was prepared by incubating the thiol containing peptide precursor with 10 eq. of iodoacetamide in 0.1 M TrisHCl pH 7.5, 6M guanidinium chloride. After 30 minutes incubation the peptide was purified by RP-HPLC and characterized by electrospray mass spectrometry.

The peptides OXM 56, 57, 58 were synthesized from the thiol containing OXM peptide precursor (SEQ ID NO: 64) to produce derivatives with PEG covalently attached via a thioether bond.

Synthesis of OXM56

5 mg of peptide precursor (1.1 μmoles) were dissolved in 0.2 mL of HEPES 0.1M pH 7.3. 57 mg of MPEG-MAL-5000 (NEKTAR 2F2MOH01) (11.4 μmoles) dissolved in 0.4 mL HEPES 0.1M, pH 7.3 (1:10 mole/mole ratio of peptide to PEG) was added to this solution. After 1 hour incubation, the PEGylated peptide solution was acidified to 1% acetic acid and purified by cation exchange chromatography (DCC) on fractogel TSK CM-650S with a linear gradient of NaCl in sodium acetate 50 mM pH 4.8. The DCC purified PEGylated-peptide was further purified by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and characterized by MALDI-T of.

Synthesis of OXM57

10 mg of peptide precursor (2.2 μmoles) were dissolved in 0.2 mL of DMSO. 50 mg of MPEG-MAL-20K (NEKTAR 2F2MOP01) (2.5 μmoles) dissolved in 0.6 mL HEPES 0.1M pH 7.3, 0.3M TRIS(2-carboxy-ethyl)phosphine with a 1:1.13 mole/mole ratio of peptide to PEG was added to this solution. After 1 hour incubation, the PEGylated peptide was purified by RP-HPLC and characterized by MALDI-T of.

Synthesis of OXM58

10 mg of peptide precursor (0.92 μmoles) were dissolved in 0.4 mL of HEPES 0.1M pH 7.3, Guanidinium Chloride 6M, 2 mM EDTA. 70 mg of MPEG2-MAL-40K (NEKTAR 2D3Y0T01) (1.7 μmoles) dissolved in 0.8 mL HEPES 0.1M, pH 7.3 (1:1.8 mole/mole ratio of peptide to PEG) was added to this solution. After 1 hour incubation, the PEGylated peptide was purified by RP-HPLC and characterized by MALDI-T of.

The control peptides OXM102, OXM112, and OXM116 were prepared by incubating the thiol-containing peptide precursor with 10 eq. of iodoacetamide in 0.1 M TrisHCl pH 7.5, 6M guanidinium chloride. After 30 minutes incubation the peptide was purified by RP-HPLC and characterized by electrospray mass spectrometry.

Synthesis of OXM103, OXM105, OXM107, OXM113

10 mg of the corresponding peptide precursors (2.26 μmoles) were dissolved in 2 mL of urea 8M, HEPES 0.1M pH 7.3, 2 mM EDTA. 109 mg of MPEG2-MAL-40K (NEKTAR 2D3Y0T01) (2.71 μmoles) dissolved in H₂O (1:1.2 mole/mole ratio of peptide to PEG) was added to this solution. After 1 hour incubation, the PEGylated peptide solution was acidified to 1% acetic acid and purified by cation exchange chromatography (IXC) on TSK CM-650S with a linear gradient of NaCl in sodium acetate 50 mM pH 4.8. The DCC purified PEGylated-peptide was further purified by SEC and characterized by MALDI-T of.

Synthesis of OXM109

10 mg of the corresponding peptide precursors (2.25 μmoles) were dissolved in 2 ml urea 8M, HEPES 0.1M pH 7.3, 2 mM EDTA. 108 mg of MPEG2-MAL-40K (NEKTAR 2D3Y0T01) (2.7 μmoles) dissolved in 2 mL H₂O (1:1.2 mole/mole ratio of peptide to PEG) was added to this solution. After 1 hour incubation, the PEGylated peptide solution was acidified to 1% acetic acid and purified by cation exchange chromatography (DCC) on TSK CM-650S with a linear gradient of NaCl in sodium acetate 50 mM pH 4.8. The IXC purified PEGylated-peptide was further purified by SEC and characterized by MALDI-T of.

Synthesis of OXM117

10 mg of the corresponding peptide precursors (2.19 μmoles) were dissolved in 2 mL of urea 8M, HEPES 0.2M pH 6.5, 2 mM EDTA. 105 mg of MPEG₂-MAL-40K (NEKTAR 2D3Y0T01) (2.63 μmoles) dissolved in H₂O (1:1.2 mole/mole ratio of peptide to PEG) was added to this solution. After 1 hour incubation, the PEGylated peptide solution was acidified to 1% acetic acid and purified by cation exchange chromatography (DCC) on TSK CM-650S with a linear gradient of NaCl in sodium acetate 50 mM pH 4.8. The DCC purified PEGylated-peptide was further purified by SEC and characterized by MALDI-T of.

Synthesis of OXM125

10 mg of the corresponding peptide precursors (2.26 μmoles) were dissolved in 2 mL of Urea 8M, HEPES 0.25M pH 6.5, 2 mM EDTA. 105 mg of MPEG₂-MAL-40K (NEKTAR 2D3Y0T01) (2.71 μmoles) dissolved in H₂O (1:1.2 mole/mole ratio of peptide to PEG) was added to this solution. After 1 hour incubation, the PEGylated peptide solution was acidified to 0.2% formic acid pH 2.8 and purified by cation exchange chromatography (IXC) on TSK SP-5PW with a linear gradient of NaCl in formic acid 0.2%. The DCC purified PEGylated-peptide was further purified by SEC and characterized by MALDI-T of.

Synthesis of OXM129

10 mg of the corresponding peptide precursors (2.26 μmoles) were dissolved in 2 mL of Urea 8M, HEPES 0.25M pH 6.5, 2 mM EDTA. 109 mg of MPEG₂-MAL-40K (NEKTAR 2D3Y0T01) (2.72 μmoles) dissolved in H₂O (1:1.2 mole/mole ratio of peptide to PEG) was added to this solution. After 1 hour incubation, the PEGylated peptide solution was acidified to 0.2% formic acid and purified by cation exchange chromatography (DCC) on TSK SP-5PW with a linear gradient of NaCl in formic acid 0.2%. The DCC purified PEGylated-peptide was further purified by SEC and characterized by MALDI-T of.

Example 3 Design and Synthesis of Peptide Sequences

The biological activity of different PEG sizes (mPEG)5 kDa, (mPEG)20 kDa, (mPEG)₂40 kDa and (mPEG)₂60 kDa was compared in a series of experiments which demonstrated that the optimal PEG size to confer the maximal and durable activity in the mice is generally 40 kDa.

The peptide OXM103 (Aib (α) at position 2) was designed to explore position 20 within the oxyntomodulin sequence as the site for conjugation with (mPEG)₂40 kDa. OXM102 is a control peptide (CH₂CONH₂), in which the side-chain thiol (of cysteine at position 20) was reacted with iodoacetamide.

The peptide OXM105 (Aib (α) at position 2) was designed to explore position 21 within the oxyntomodulin sequence, as the site for conjugation with (mPEG)₂40 kDa. OXM104 is a control peptide (CH₂CONH₂), in which the side-chain thiol (of cysteine at position 21) was reacted with iodoacetamide.

The peptide OXM107 (Aib (α) at position 2, Met(O) at position 27) was designed to explore position 24 within the oxyntomodulin sequence, as the site for conjugation with (mPEG)₂40 kDa. OXM106 is a control peptide (CH₂CONH₂), in which the side-chain thiol (of cysteine at position 24) was reacted with iodoacetamide.

The peptide OXM109 (Aib (α) at position 2,) was designed to explore position 28 within the oxyntomodulin sequence, as the site for conjugation with (mPEG)₂40 kDa. OXM108 is a control peptide (CH₂CONH₂), in which the side-chain thiol (of cysteine at position 28) was reacted with iodoacetamide.

The peptide designated OXM141 has a Gln to Asp mutation at position 3, which confers specific selectivity to the GLP1-receptor. The peptide OXM141, which has a Gln to Asp mutation at position 3, Met(O) at position 27, and two conjugation sites at position 20 and 38, was designed to explore the potential of having a peptide conjugated with both a cholesterol group at C38 and PEG at position C20.

The peptide OXM142 (Aib (cc), Met(O) at position 27, and two conjugation sites at position 20 and 38) was designed to explore the potential of having a peptide conjugated with both a, cholesterol group at C38 and PEG at position C20.

FIG. 14 summarizes the in vitro activity data for GLP1R and GCG receptors (also showing the GLP-1R and GLGR specificities) in tabular form. The (mPEG)₂40 kDa conjugate at position C20 retains activity on both receptors, therefore OXM103 as is referred to as a +/+analog, while all the other (mPEG)₂40 kDa conjugates lose potency at the GCG receptor. In particular there is a between 2-3 orders of magnitude selectivity towards the GLP-1 receptor over the Gcg receptor for the (mPEG)₂40 kDa conjugates at position 38, 24 and 28. Therefore, the analogs OXM107 and 109 are referred to as +/0 analogs.

FIG. 15 shows the in vivo activity of the (mPEG)₂40 kDa conjugates on food intake and body weight loss on DIO mice. Ad libitum fed, DIO (˜51 g each), male C57BL/6 mice were dosed i.p. with either vehicle (water) or Oxm analogs 99, 103, 105, 107, and 109˜30 min prior to the onset of the dark phase. Food intake measured ˜2 h and 18 h (overnight) later on day 1 and 26 and 42 h (overnight) later on day 2. *P<0.05 vs. vehicle, n=5-6 per group).

The peptide OXM110 (D-Ser (s) at position 2,) was designed to explore position 38 within the oxyntomodulin sequence, as the site for conjugation with a lipid such as a palmitoyl group. The palmitoyl group was acylated to the ε-amino group of a lysine added at the C-terminus of the oxyntomodulin sequence.

The peptide OXM113 (desamino-His (ΔNH₂—H) at position 1, Aib (α) at position 2, Met(O) at position 27, conjugation site 38) was designed to explore the potential of substituting the wild type (wt) His with a desamino-His at position 1 for protection from DPPIV proteolysis. OXM113 is the (mPEG)₂40 kDa conjugate, OXM114 is the cholesteryl conjugate and OXM112 is a control peptide (CH₂CONH₂), in which the side-chain thiol (of cysteine at position 38) was reacted with iodoacetamide). (OXM111 is the thiolated peptide precursor).

The peptides OXM117 and OXM118 (Aib (α) at position 2, Gln to Asp mutation at position 3, Met(O) at position 27, conjugation site 38) were designed to explore the potential of substituting the wild type Gln with an Asp at position 3. As mentioned above, this mutation confers specific selectivity towards the GLP-1R. OXM117 is the (mPEG)₂40 kDa conjugate and the OXM118 is the cholesteryl conjugate. (OXM116 is the thiolated peptide precursor).

The peptide OXM121 (Aib (α) at position 2, Met(O) at position 27, conjugation site 11) was designed to explore position 11 within the oxyntomodulin sequence as the site for the conjugation. OXM121 is the (mPEG)₂40 kDa conjugate, OXM119 is the thiolated peptide precursor and OXM120 is a control peptide (CH₂CONH₂), in which the side-chain thiol (of cysteine at position 1.1) was reacted with iodoacetamide.

The peptide OXM124 (Aib (α) at position 2, Met(O) at position 27, conjugation site 12) was designed to explore position 12 within the oxyntomodulin sequence as the site for conjugation. OXM124 is the (mPEG)₂40 kDa conjugate, OXM122 is the thiolated peptide precursor and OXM123 is a control peptide (CH₂CONH₂), in which the side-chain thiol (of cysteine at position 12) was reacted with iodoacetamide.

The peptide OXM125 (Aib (α) at position 2, Gln to Asp mutation at position 3, Met(O) at position 27, conjugation site 20) was designed to explore position 20 within the oxyntomodulin sequence as the site for conjugation of (mPEG)₂40 kDa as well as the Gln to Asp substitution at position 3 that confers selectivity towards the GLP-1R

The peptide OXM127 (Aib (α) at position 2, Met(O) at position 27, conjugation site 22) was designed to explore position 22 within the oxyntomodulin sequence as the site for conjugation for cholesterol. OXM126 is the thiolated peptide precursor).

The peptide OXM129 (desamino-His (ΔNH₂—H) at position 1, Aib (α) at position 2, Gln to Asp mutation at position 3, Met(O) at position 27, conjugation site 20) was designed to explore the potential of the following combinations: substituting the wt His with desamino-His at position 1 for protection from DPPIV proteolysis, the Gln to Asp substitution at position 3 that confers selectivity towards the GLP-1R, and conjugation at position 20.

The peptide OXM134 (Aib (α) at position 2, Met(O) at position 27, conjugation site 20) is a(mPEG)₂40 kDa conjugate similar to the potent +/+OXM103 analogue that only differs for the methionine substitution to methionine sulfoxide. This peptide is conjugated at the position 20 therefore displaying a +/+pattern for GLP1R/GcgR selectivity.

Example 4 C-Terminal Truncated Analogs or GcgK Analogs C-Terminal Truncated Analogs

A series of peptide OXM C-terminal truncated analogs were designed. An analysis of in vitro activity on both the GLP1 receptor (GLP1R) and the Gcg receptor (GcgR) demonstrated that the OXM sequence can be truncated at the C-terminus to have only one extra lysine residue with respect to wt glucagon, yielding a peptide such as OXM93 that is extremely potent on both the GLP1R and GcgR.

The potency of OXM93 is at least one order (and possibly two) of magnitude higher than that of wt OXM. Because there is only one extra Lys residue with respect to Gcg, this new class is referred to as GcgK analogs. FIG. 16 illustrates in vitro potency data for the C-terminal truncated analogs acting at the GLP1 and GCG receptors in tabular form.

C-terminal truncated analogs which are selective GcgK Analogs

Peptides OXM130 and OXM131 were designed to confirm the in vitro analysis and introduce other mutations that are known to confer stability and suitable properties. OXM130 and OXM131 are C-terminal truncated analogues of the same length as OXM93. OXM130 has Aib (α) at position 2, while OXM131 has Aib (α) at position 2 and a Gln to Asp mutation at position 3 to confer selectivity for the GLP1R.

The following PEGylated analogs were designed based on these truncated sequences:

The peptide OXM136 (Aib (α) at position 2, Met(O) at position 27, conjugation site 20) is the (mPEG)₂40 kDa conjugate. From prior studies (see above) it is known that the choice of PEG conjugation at position 20 allows for activity on both receptors GLP1R and GcgR, therefore OXM136 would be defined as the prototype Gcg +/+ analogue. (OXM135 is the thiolated peptide precursor).

The peptide OXM138 (Aib (α) at position 2, Gln to Asp mutation at position 3, Met(O) at position 27, conjugation site 20) was designed to explore the potential of the following combinations: the Gln to Asp substitution at position 3 that confers selectivity towards the GLP-1R; conjugation at position 20 and mutating the wt Gln to Asp at position 3. Therefore OXM137 would be defined as the prototype GcgK +/0 analog (OXM137 is the thiolated peptide precursor).

FIG. 17 provides in vitro potency data at the GLP1 and GCG receptors for select PEGylated OXM analogs.

Example 5 Peptides with Alternative PEG Moieties

The peptide OXM145 (Aib (cc) at position 2, Gln to Asp mutation at position 3, Met(O) at position 27, conjugation site 38 with Y Shape PEG Maleimide from JenKem Therapeutics) was produced to explore the potential of using alternative branched 40 kDa PEG moieties. This is the conjugate obtained using a (mPEG)₂40 kDa from JenKem Therapeutics (Y-Shaped PEG Maleimide, MW40K, item number Y-MAL-40K and its structure is shown below:

The peptide OXM146 is characterized by Aib (α) at position 2, Gln to Asp mutation at position 3, Met(O) at position 27, conjugation site 38 with SUNBRIGHT GL2-400MA Maleimide from NOF corporation. This is the conjugate obtained using a (mPEG)₂40 kDa from NOF Corporation (SUNBRIGHT GL2-400MA Maleimide) and its structure is shown below:

The peptide OXM151 (Aib (α) at position 2, Gln to Asp mutation at position 3, Arg to Glu mutation at position 17, Arg to Ala mutation at position 18, Met(O) at position 27, conjugation site 38) was designed to confer in vivo increased stability to the peptide sequence.

A detailed study was undertaken in which OXM139 was incubated in PBS containing 10% of mouse or human plasma at 37° C. Sample preparation was accomplished by mixing 1 μL of test solution and 1 μL of matrix (a-cyano) directly on the sample plate. After crystallization T of spectrum was collected: Time points at 30, 60, 120 and 720 minutes were analyzed and compared with the same time points of the control test solutions. Within the peptide sequence, the bond between Arg17 and Arg18 has been identified to be a primary hydrolysis site. The bond between Arg18 and Ala19 was also identified as a secondary site of hydrolysis, so it was decided to introduce mutations at sites 17 and 18. Specifically, Arg 17 was mutated to Glu and Arg 18 was mutated to Ala. The peptide OXM153 is the N-ethyl maleimide analog of OXM151. The peptide OXM154 is the conjugate obtained using a (mPEG)₂40 kDa from NOF Corporation (SUNBRIGHT GL2-400MA Maleimide).

The peptide OXM152 spans residues 1 to 16 of the Oxyntomodulin sequence (Aib (α) at position 2, Gln to Asp mutation at position 3, Ttds at position 17 as a spacer, Cys at position 18 for conjugation) and is a peptide that can be conjugated to a carrier protein to raise antibodies specific against the 1-16 sequence.

The peptide OXM155 (Aib (α) at position 2, Gln to Asp mutation at position 3, Met(O) at position 27, Ttds at position38, 5 glutamic residues a position 39-43, Cys at position 44 for conjugation) is another peptide that can be conjugated to a carrier protein to raise antibodies. The addition of glutamic acids at the C terminus is needed for pI modulation that will enable conjugation to the carrier protein, as described in “A Method to Make a Peptide-Carrier Conjugate with a High Immunogenicity,” Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/530,867, filed on Dec. 18, 2003, and herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Example 6 New Truncated Analogs or GcgK Analogs

The peptide OXM143 (Aib (α), Met(O) at position 27, conjugation site 20) is the N-ethyl maleimide analog of OXM135.

The peptide OXM144 (Aib (α), Gln to Asp mutation at position 3, Met(O) at position 27, and conjugations site at position 20 is the N-ethyl maleimide analog of OXM137.

The peptide OXM147 (Aib (α) at position 2, conjugation site 20) was designed to have a native Methionine residue at position 27 within the GcgK analog series having the conjugation site at C20. The rationale for this design was that a peptide analog with a native methionine is more active on the glucagon receptor.

The peptide OXM148 (Aib (cc) at position 2, conjugation site 20) is the N-ethyl maleimide analog of OXM147.

The peptide OXM149 (Aib (α), Gln to Asp mutation at position 3, Met(O) at position 27, conjugations site at position 20 and D-Lysine replacement at position 30) was designed to provide protection in vivo from enzymatic degradation of the C-terminus of the peptide. The peptide OXM150 is the N-ethyl maleimide analog of OXM149.

A similar study of stability was performed on a GcgK series analog OXM144 to determine the primary sites of hydrolysis by incubation with PBS, containing 10% of either mouse or human plasma. In this instance, the bond between Arg17 and Arg18 was identified as a primary hydrolysis site. Also the bond between Arg18 and Ala19 was identified as a secondary site of hydrolysis. For this reason, it was decided to introduce mutations at the sites 17 and 18 also in the GcgK analog series.

Synthesis of OXM145

54 mg of the corresponding peptide precursors (11.8 μmoles) were dissolved in 2 mL of Urea 8M, HEPES 0.2M pH 6.5, 2 mM EDTA. 569 mg (14.2 μmoles) of Y-Shaped PEG Maleimide, MW40K (JenKem Technology, item number Y-MAL-40K) dissolved in H₂O (1:1.2 mole/mole ratio of peptide to PEG) was added to this solution. After 1 hour incubation, the PEGylated peptide solution was acidified to 0.2% formic acid pH 2.8 and purified by cation exchange chromatography (IXC) on TSK SP-5PW with a linear gradient of NaCl in formic acid 0.2%. The IXC purified PEGylated-peptide was further purified by SEC and characterized by MALDI-T of.

Synthesis of OXM146

55 mg of the corresponding peptide precursors (12 moles) were dissolved in 2 mL of Urea 8M, HEPES 0.2M pH 6.5, 2 mM EDTA. 531 mg (13.2 μmoles) of SUNBRIGHT GL2-400MA Maleimide, (NOF Corporation) dissolved in H₂O (1:1.1 mole/mole ratio of peptide to PEG) was added to this solution. After 1 hour incubation, the PEGylated peptide solution was acidified to 0.2% formic acid pH 2.8 and purified by cation exchange chromatography (IXC) on TSK SP-5PW with a linear gradient of NaCl in formic acid 0.2%. The DCC purified PEGylated-peptide was further purified by SEC and characterized by MALDI-T of.

Example 7 Measurement of GLP-1 Receptor (GLP-1R) Signaling Using a Cyclic AMP (cAMP) Homogenous Time Resolved Fluorescence (HTRF) Assay and Evaluation of Resistance to DP-IV

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines stably transfected with a mutant form of the human GLP-1R with bioactivity similar to that of the native receptor were maintained in complete Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium (IMDM) media containing fetal bovine serum (FBS), penicillin-streptomycin, hypoxanthine-thymidine and G418. A homogenous time resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay for GLP-1 receptor activation was used to measure cAMP accumulation in transfected cells upon incubation with peptides of this invention following the manufacturer's instructions (Cis Bio), with the exception that cells were incubated with ligand, XL-665 and anti-cAMP cryptate at 37° C. The assay was conducted in a 96 half-well plate format and the plate was read using a Perkin Elmer Envision plate reader. For polypeptides and polypeptide fragments/derivatives of this invention, “activation” of the GLP-1 receptor in a cAMP HTRF assay is induction of a maximal activity that is at least about 60% and up to about 200% of the maximal activity induced by the native human OXM sequence with a relative potency of at least 0.04% up to about 1000%. “Relative potency” is the EC₅₀ of native human OXM divided by the EC₅₀ of the polypeptide of the invention, multiplied by 100. “EC₅₀” is the concentration of a polypeptide at which 50% of the maximal activity is achieved.

To measure resistance to DP-IV cleavage, a 5 μM solution of peptide was pre-incubated with 10 nM of recombinant soluble human DP-IV in 100 μl assay buffer (10 mM HEPES, pH 7.5, 0.05% BSA) at 37° C. for 2 hours. Activation of hGLP-1R was subsequently measured using the Cis Bio HTRF cAMP assay and compared to control peptides pre-incubated at 37° C. for 2 hours in the absence of DP-W. For polypeptides and their fragments/derivatives of this invention, “resistance to DP-W” in this experiment is defined as a potency ratio of 0.1 up to 35, where “potency ratio” is the EC₅₀ of a peptide preincubated with DP-IV divided by the EC₅₀ of the same polypeptide of the invention preincubated without DP-IV. (FIG. 2)

Example 8 Measurement of Glucagon Receptor (GcgR) Signaling Using a Cyclic AMP Flashplate Assay

CHO cells expressing the cloned human glucagon receptor (CHO-hGCGR) (Cascieri et al., J. Biol. Chem. (1999), 274, 8694-8697) were maintained in IMDM supplemented with 10% FBS, 1 mM L-glutamine, Penicillin-Streptomycin (100 U/ml), and G418 (500 μg/ml) cAMP levels in transfected cells upon incubation with peptides of this invention were determined with the aid of a Flashplate assay (SMP-004B, Perkin Elmer Life Sciences) following the manufacturer's instructions. The cell stimulation was stopped by addition of an equal amount of a detection buffer containing cell lysis agent and ¹²⁵I-labeled cAMP tracer. The ¹²⁵I-cAMP bound to the plate was determined using a liquid scintillation counter and used to quantitate the amount of cAMP present in each sample. For polypeptides and polypeptide fragments/derivatives of this invention, “activation” of the Gcg receptor in a cAMP Flashplate assay is induction of a maximal activity that is at least about 60% up to about 200% of the maximal activity induced by the native glucagon peptide with a relative potency of at least 0.04% up to about 10000%. “Relative potency” is the EC₅₀ of native glucagon (EC₅₀=70 μM) divided by the EC₅₀ of the polypeptide of the invention, multiplied by 100. “EC₅₀” is the concentration of a polypeptide at which 50% of the maximal activity is achieved. Native porcine OXM activated the glucagon receptor with an EC₅₀ of 2.4 nM in this assay.

Example 9 Effect on Blood Glucose Excursion During an Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test (IPGTT) in Lean Mice

Male C57BL/6N mice were distributed by weight into treatment groups and fasted approximately 5 hours prior to the start of the study. Baseline (t=−30 min) blood glucose concentration was determined by glucometer from tail nick blood. Animals were then injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with vehicle (saline) or a polypeptide of the invention (0.01-10 mg/kg). Blood glucose concentration was measured 30 minutes after treatment (t=0 min) and mice were then challenged i.p. with dextrose (2 g/kg, 10 mL/kg). One group of vehicle-treated mice was challenged with normal saline as a negative control. Blood glucose levels were determined from tail bleeds taken 20, 40, 60 and 120 min after dextrose challenge. The blood glucose excursion profile from t=0 to t=120 min was used to integrate an area under the curve (AUC) for each treatment. Percent inhibition of glucose excursion for each treatment group was calculated from the AUC data normalized to the water-challenged controls as per the formula:

${{\% \mspace{14mu} {inhibition}} = {\frac{{AUC}_{dex} - {AUC}_{peptide}}{{AUC}_{dex} - {AUC}_{saline}} \times 100}},$

where AUC_(dex)=average AUC for vehicle-treated dextrose-challenged animals, AUC_(peptide)=average AUC for peptide-treated dextrose-challenged animals, and AUC_(saline)=average AUC for vehicle-treated saline-challenged animals.

Incretin activity of a polypeptide of the invention in IPGTT is manifested as a dose-dependent increase in percent inhibition of glucose excursion, reaching at least 30% at the 10 mg/kg dosage. (FIG. 2)

Example 10 Acute Effects on Food Intake and Body Weight in Lean Mice

Approximately 3-month-old, ad libitum fed, male C57BL/6N mice were weighed and either vehicle (water) or OXM2 or OXM3 dissolved in vehicle was administered by i.p. injection ˜30 min. prior to the onset of the dark phase of the light cycle. A pre-weighed aliquot of rodent chow (Teklad 7012) was provided in the food hopper of the wire cage top ˜5 min. prior to the onset of the dark phase of the light cycle and weighed 2 and 18 hr (overnight) after the onset of the dark phase of the light cycle. Absolute changes in food intake were calculated for each animal by subtracting the amount of food remaining in the food hopper at the specified time points from that of the corresponding original pre-weighed aliquot. Absolute changes in body weight were calculated for each animal by subtracting the body weight of the animal prior to dosing from that of the corresponding animal at the specified time points. All values were reported as mean±SEM and peptide treatment groups were analyzed by the two-tailed unpaired Student's t test with reference to vehicle-treated animals. Reductions in food intake at any time point and/or in overnight body weight gain are considered to be statistically significant for P values ≦0.05 and denotes efficacy of the corresponding OXM polypeptide (OXM2 or OXM3) in this model. (FIG. 3)

Example 11 Enhancement of Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion in Mice

The in vitro potencies of native OXM in mediating insulin secretion at 16 mmol/l glucose were evaluated by measuring glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) at 16 mmol/l glucose in the presence of increasing concentrations of the native OXM peptide in islets from wild type C57BL/6 mice and in MIN6c4 cells, a mouse insulinoma cell line with robust GSIS activity (Minami K, et al 2000 μm J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 279:E773-E781). Pancreatic islets of Langerhans were isolated from the pancreas of normal C57BL/6J mice (Jackson Laboratory, Maine) by collagenase digestion and discontinuous Ficoll gradient separation, a modification of the original method of Lacy and Kostianovsky (Lacy et al., Diabetes 16:35-39, 1967). The islets were cultured overnight in RPMI 1640 medium (11 mM glucose) before GSIS assay. To measure GSIS, islets were first preincubated for 30 minutes in the Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate (KRB) buffer with 2 mM glucose (in Petri dishes). The KRB medium contains 143.5 mM Na⁺, 5.8 mM K⁺, 2.5 mM Ca²⁺, 1.2 mM Mg²⁺, 124.1 mM 1.2 mM PO₄ ^(3″, 1.2) mM SO₄ ²⁺, 25 mM CO₃ ²⁻, 2 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (pH 7.4). The islets were then transferred to a 96-well plate (one islet/well) and incubated at 37° C. for 60 minutes in 200 μl of KRB buffer with 2 or 16 mM glucose, along with other agents to be tested such as GLP-1 and OXM (Zhou et al., J. Biol. Chem. 278:51316-51323, 2003). Insulin was measured in aliquots of the incubation buffer by ELISA with a commercial kit (ALPCO Diagnostics, Windham, N.H.). The insulin secretion in the MIN6c4 cell was measured in cell seeded in 96-well plate in similar manner.

As shown in FIG. 4, the native OXM significantly enhanced GSIS in both mouse islets and the MIN6c4 cell. The EC50 of OXM on GSIS was about 2.9 nM in murine islets (FIG. 4A) and 155 μM respectively, FIG. 4B). Native GLP-1 was used as the positive control in this experiment. The maximal GSIS effects of the two peptides were similar in both islets and in MIN6 cells.

OXM activates both GLP-1R and GCG-R heterologously expressed in CHO cells as described in Example 7 and 8, and both receptors are known to be functional in pancreatic β-cells. To discern the potential roles of these two G-protein coupled receptors in the incretin action of OXM, the effects of OXM, GLP-1 and GCG on GSIS in islets from GLP-1R−/− mice (Scrocchi L A, et al. 1996 Nat Med 2:1254-1258) and age-matched WT C57BL/6 mice were examined. Consistent with previous results, all three peptides (10 nM each) were equally efficacious in augmenting GSIS at 16 mmol/l glucose from WT murine islets (FIG. 5A). GSIS and the potentiation of GSIS by GCG were not impaired in GLP-1R−/− islets, whereas both GLP-1 and OXM were completely unable to enhance GSIS in the latter. The involvement of GLP-1R in the incretin action of OXM was also indicated by antagonism of this activity by exendin-9, a widely-used peptide antagonist of GLP-1R. The potentiation of GSIS by OXM and GLP-1 was completely blocked in WT islets by 0.5 μM exendin-9 (FIG. 5B).

The potential participation of GCG-R in the incretin action of OXM was tested by comparing peptide-mediated GSIS at 16 mmol/l glucose in islets from WT and GCG-R−/− mice (Gelling, X Q, et al 2003; Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 100: 1438-1443). As described earlier, all three peptides (GLP-1, OXM and GCG, at 10 nM each) enhanced GSIS in WT islets with equal efficacy (FIG. 6A). Compared to size-matched WT islets however, insulin secretion at both 2 and 16 mM glucose was reduced by ˜2-fold in GCG-R−/− islets (FIG. 6A). Islet insulin content was also reduced in GCG-R −/− islets by >3-fold relative to WT (FIG. 6B). GCG (10 nM) did not enhance GSIS at 16 mM glucose in GCG-R−/− islets whereas both GLP-1 and OXM (10 nM) significantly increased GSIS in this assay. When data were expressed as fractional GSIS (% insulin released relative to total islet insulin content), the fold-increase in GSIS mediated by OXM was reduced by only 32% (1.7 vs 2.5 fold) in GCG-R−/− islets relative to WT (FIG. 6C), whereas the fold-stimulation of GSIS by GLP-1 remained the same (2.5 fold). In contrast, GCG did not increase fractional GSIS over baseline (DMSO) in GCG-R−/− islets. These data suggest that GCG-R may play limited role in the action of OXM on GSIS.

To determine whether the glucose-lowering effect of OXM (as described supra and as shown in FIG. 2) was secondary to increased in vivo GSIS the effects of OXM on plasma glucose and insulin levels during an IPGTT in WT and GLP-1R−/− mice was analyzed. Mice fasted overnight were pre-dosed with 0.3 mpk (mg peptide per kg of body weight) of native OXM (i.p.) prior to glucose challenge. The GLP-1 mimetic exendin-4 (dosed at 0.02 mpk i.p.) (Thorens, B, et al. 1993; Diabetes. 42: 1678-1682) was used as a comparator in this study. As shown in FIG. 7A, both exendin-4 and OXM significantly reduced glucose levels during an IPGTT in WT mice, with exendin-4 being more potent in suppressing glucose excursion. The area under the curve (AUC) for glucose excursion in the 0.3 mpk OXM treated group was reduced by approximately 30% relative to the vehicle group [13025 f 524 versus 19928±811 mg/dl/60 min], p<0.001, n=10 (vehicle) or 5 (OXM)], whereas reduction of glucose AUC in the exendin-4 treated group was >60% (AUC=6601±179 mg/dl/60 min). In contrast, the same doses of OXM and exendin-4 did not affect glucose excursion in an IPGTT in GLP-1R−/− mice (FIG. 7B).

The effects of i.p. OXM and exendin-4 on in vivo GSIS were assessed by measuring plasma insulin levels before (at 0 min) and after (at 10 min) glucose challenge in the IPGTT studies. OXM increased basal (0 min) plasma insulin levels 4-fold in WT mice and significantly amplified the insulin response to i.p. glucose challenge (FIG. 7C). Similar effects were observed with exendin-4 in WT mice. In contrast, administration of OXM or exendin-4 to the GLP-1R−/− mice did not affect basal insulin levels, nor did it improve the insulin response to i.p. glucose challenge (FIG. 7D).

EXAMPLES OF PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS

As a specific embodiment of an oral composition of a novel polypeptide of the present invention, 5 ma of a polypeptide as described by the formula

HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC₁₀-CONH_(2,) is formulated with sufficient finely divided lactose to provide a total amount of 580 to 590 mg to fill a size 0 hard gel capsule.

As another specific embodiment of an oral composition of a novel polypeptide of the present invention, 2.5 mg of a polypeptide as described by the formula

HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC₁₀-CONH_(2,) is formulated with sufficient finely divided lactose to provide a total amount of 580 to 590 mg to fill a size 0 hard gel capsule.

Other embodiments are within the following claims. While several embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

1. A polypeptide comprising, H_(x)X₁X₂GTFTSDYX₃X₄YLDX₅X₆X₆AX₇X₈FVX₇WLX₉X₁₀X₁₁KRNRN NX₁₂X₁₃X₁₄

wherein H_(x) is selected from the group consisting of His, imidazole-lactic acid (ImiH); desamino-His (ΔNH₂—H), acetyl His, pyroglutamyl His, N-methyl-His (Me-H), N,N-dimethyl-His (Me₂-H); Benzoyl His (Bz-H), Benzyl His (Bzl-H), and Phe; X₁ is selected from the group consisting of Ser, Gly, Ala, Arg; Asn, Asp, Glu, Gln, His, Ile, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Thr, Trp, Tyr, Val, D-Ala, D-Ser, and α-aminoisobutyric acid; X₂ is Gln, Asp, Glu, Pro, Leu or L-norleucine; X₃ is Ser, Ala, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); X₄ is Lys, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); X₅ is Ser or Ala; X₆ is Arg, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); X₆ is Arg, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); X₇ is Gln, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); X₈ is Asp, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); X₉ is Met, Met(O), Val, norleucine, alanine, α-aminoisobutyric acid or O-methyl-homoserine; X₁₀ is Asn, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); X₁₁ is Thr, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); X₁₂ is Ile, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); X₁₃ is Ala, Cys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); and X₁₄ is carboxylic acid (COOH), carboxamide, secondary amide, Ala, K(palmitoyl), Cys, Cys(mPEG), Cys(cholesteryl), or any linker to which mPEG or cholesterol is linked with a chemical bond, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. The polypeptide of claim 1 wherein one or more of X₃, X₄, X₆, X₈, and X₁₀-X₁₄ is Cys(mPEG) or Cys(cholesteryl).
 3. The polypeptide of claim 1 wherein Cys(mPEG) is C₁, C₂, C₃ or C₆ wherein C₁=Cys(mPEG)5 kDa, C₂=Cys(mPEG)20 kDa, C₃=Cys(mPEG)₂40 kDa, C₆=Cys(mPEG)₂60 kDa, each corresponding to a cysteine residue PEGylated via the side chain thiol with linear methoxyPEG (mPEG) or branched mPEG₂ of approximately the indicated MW.
 4. The polypeptide of claim 1 consisting of H_(x)SQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA

wherein H_(x) is selected from the group consisting of His, imidazole-lactic acid (ImiH); desamino-His (ΔNH₂—H), acetyl His, pyroglutamyl His, N-methyl-His (Me-H), N,N-dimethyl-His (Me₂-H); Benzoyl His (Bz-H), Benzyl His (Bzl-H), and Phe.
 5. The polypeptide of claim 1 comprising, HX₁QGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA

wherein X₁ is selected from the group consisting of Ser, Gly, Ala, Arg; Asn, Asp, Glu, Gln, His, Ile, Lys, Met, Phe, Pro, Thr, Trp, Tyr, Val, D-Ala, D-Ser, and α-aminoisobutyric acid.
 6. The polypeptide of claim 1 comprising, HSX₂GTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLMNTKRNRNNIA

wherein X₂ is selected from the group consisting of Gln, Asp, Glu, Pro, Leu, and L-norleucine.
 7. The polypeptide of claim 1 comprising HSQGTFTSDYX₃X₄YLDSX₆X₆AX₇X₈FVX₇WLMX₁₀X₁₁KRNRNNX₁₂ X₁₃X₁₄

wherein X₃ is Ser, Ala, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); X₄ is Lys, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); X₆ is Arg, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); X₇ is Gln, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); X₈ is Asp, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); X₁₀ is Asn, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); X₁₁ is Thr, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); X₁₂ is Ile, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); X₁₃ is Ala, Cys(mPEG), or Cys(cholesteryl); and X₁₄ is amide, carboxylate, secondary amide, Ala, K(palmitoyl), Cys(mPEG), Cys(cholesteryl) or any linker to which mPEG or cholesterol is linked with a chemical bond, and wherein one or two of X₃, X₄, X₆-X₈, and X₁₀-X₁₄ is Cys(mPEG) or Cys(cholesteryl).
 8. A polypeptide comprising: HαX₁₅GTFTSDYSKYLDSZZAX₁₆DFVQWLX₁₇NTX₁₈

wherein X₁₅ is D or Q; Z is any amino acid; X₁₆ is C8, (Cys(N-ethylmaleimidyl), Q or C; X₁₇ is M Or M; X₁₈ is an amidated k or K; α is α-aminoisobutyric acid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 9. A polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLANTKRNRNNIAC₃-CONH_(2;) HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDS-TtdsEC-CONH₂ HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLVNTKRNRNNIAC₃-CONH_(2;) HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC₃-CONH_(2;) HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIA-Ttds-EEEEEC- COOH; HαQGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLXNTKRNRNNIAC₃-CONH_(2;) HαDGTFTSDYSKYLDSRRAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAC₃; and HαDGTFTSDYSKYDSZZAQDFVQWLmNTKRNRNNIAX₁₉

wherein C₃=Cys[(mPEG)₂40 kDa] corresponding to an amidated cysteine residue PEGylated via the side-chain thiol with a branched mPEG [(mPEG)₂] of the indicated MW; a is α-amino isobutyric acid (aib); and m=methionine sulfoxide [Met(O)]; X₁₉ is C or C₈ (Cys(N-ethylmaleimidyl) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 10. The polypeptide of claim 1 wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO. 1-159 and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 11. A method for the treatment of a metabolic disease in a subject in need thereof comprising the step of administering to the subject the polypeptide of claim
 1. 12. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the polypeptide of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically suitable carrier.
 13. An agent for lowering glucose levels, which comprises the polypeptide of claim
 1. 14. A method to lower glucose levels, said method comprising the step of administering the polypeptide of claim
 1. 